Current Fishing
Regulations
If you have decided to tackle the friendly waters by
yourself you should familiarize yourself with the regulations.
Regulations are subject to change and it is a good idea
to check your knowledge with other fisherman from the Marina
or tackle shops. Here are a few things to consider:
• A fishing license only allows you to capture fin
fish. The capture of all mollusks, crustations, turtles,
and marine mammals is strictly prohibited.
• Fish must be taken by angling with a hand-held
line or with a line attached to a rod. The use of nets
(don’t worry you can still use your handling nets!),
traps, poisons, and explosives is strictly prohibited.
• If you are disabled you can legally use an electric
reel if you have a written authorization for the Ministry.
• It is illegal to sell, trade, or exchange the
fish caught.
• If you are going to try to get your hands on a
boat for your excursion please note that if there is fishing
equipment on the boat you will need a valid boat permit
and everyone (and we mean everyone) on the boat needs a
personal fishing license.
• To capture bottom fish, you can use up to 4 hooks
on a vertical line.
Bag and Possession Limits
In Ocean waters and estuaries:
The limit of fish per day is 10. Out of this 10 you are
prohibited from more than 5 catches of a single species.
Special exception—the species Marlin, Swordfish,
Sailfish, and Shark, of which only one specimen of the
either is allowed. When you catch any one of these species
it will count as a 5 towards your overall fish limit.
Special exception—the species Roosterfish, Dorado,
Shad, or Tarpon, of which only 2 samples of each species
are allowed. When you catch any one of these species they
will also count as a 5 toward your overall fish limit of
10.
Inland Bodies of Water:
The limit is 5 fish per day regardless of whether it
is a single species or in combination.
Underwater Fishing:
The limit is 5 fish per day. Underwater fishing is limited
to skin diving only with the use of rubber band or spring
type harpoons.
Violations:
• It is prohibited to litter or dump trash or harful
substances on all lakes, riverbeds, shorelines, and oceanic
waters.
•
You must practice sportsfishing at least 250 meters from
swimmers.
•
It is illegal to capture and keep any fish alive for ornamental
purposes.
•
It is prohibited to attract large quantities of fish with
artificial lighting.
•
If you have a sportsfishing license you cannot fillet fish
abourd the vessel from which it was caught.
•
It is prohibited to disturb the original ecosystem environment,
this includes collectin shells, corals, sea anemones and
snails.
•
Last but not least, sorry guys, no discharging firearms
in Mexican Waters.
Taking your Catch Home:
Sportsfisherman may bring there fish back into the United
States if it is for personal consumption. U.S. Customs
requires a California Declaration of entry form. The number
of fish you declare must not exceed the Mexican Bag Limit.
You will need to show your valid Mexican Fishing License
or a Mexico Department of Fisheries form obtained when
purchasing a fish. Your fish can be eviscerated and filleted
but a patch of skin must be left for identification, usually
the head, tail , or patch of skin left intact will suffice.
Your fish will need to be frozen to ensure freshness. Coolers can be expensive
down here in Cabo San Lucas so bring one with you if possible. A 42 quart cooler
is usually best since there is a 44lb restriction with most airlines. There
is usually a $1/lb fee for extra weight. Check with your airlines for the specifics.
Be forewarned, they will probably untape your cooler so you might as well wait
to tape it up after the inspectors have had a peak.
For more information:
California Department of Fish and Game
1350 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-7311
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